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"Some time apart will do us good, and if Zac wishes to join me, then he can follow and catch up."
James shook his head. His daughter was being anything but intelligent at the moment. She was acting more like those all-too-senseless women who insist a man must prove himself worthy of her love. James knew that Zac was not going to like this one bit.
"Prudence has a point, James," Granger joined in.
"Many of her friends back in Boston will be thrilled to hear the news of her marriage and will wish to host various social functions for the couple. I'm sure Zac will catch up and they will enjoy the trip together."
James wanted to shake some sense into the two.
Lenore placed her hand on his arm, and with a gentle smile, shook her head. "If Prudence wishes to join us, James, it is her decision," Lenore said calmly.
James opened his mouth to disagree, thought better of it, and shut it.
"Good, then let's be off," Granger said, reaching for Prudence's case.
She stopped him with a hand to his arm. "I can manage myself."
Prudence was the last to leave the house. She looked about one final time, checking to make sure her note to Zac was on the hall table. A shudder ran through her as she remembered similar past actions, and she hastily closed the door behind her.
"She's making a serious mistake. Why don't you say something to her?" James asked, standing next to his wife on the steamboat and watching it pull away from the dock.
"It isn't my place," Lenore answered.
"You're her mother, and you know as well as I do she expected Zac to catch up with her before we made it this far and demand that she returns with him."
"She must learn from her own mistakes."
James ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "Look how long and how much we suffered because of our mistakes. You wish the same for your daughter?"
"No, James," Lenore said softly. "But Prudence wouldn't go back now no matter what either one of us say. Her pride is hurt, and unless Zac comes for her, this marriage, to her, will be over."
"But he loves her," James growled through gritted teeth.
"Then he will come."
James sighed and ran his fingers through his hair once again. "Women!"
Lenore smiled and hugged her husband's arm.
"Boston should be beautiful now. The flowers surrounding your home should be in full bloom and Glenda should be in a state of near panic with her plans for her summer social," Granger said. He strolled casually along the upper deck of the steamboat with Prudence, her arm draped around his.
Prudence stopped and turned to Granger. "I'm afraid I'm not feeling well. Would you be so kind as to get me a cool drink?"
"Of course I will. Shall I help you to your cabin first?"
"No, that isn't necessary. I prefer the fresh air, but require something cool to quench the dryness in my throat and soothe my upset stomach."
Granger patted her arm. "I’ll only be a moment."
Prudence sighed with relief when he left. She couldn't stand him another minute. All he talked about was Boston and their old life there. He seemed to have no doubts about them returning to the way things were before she had left. She hadn't thought that possible a few days ago, but now. . .
"Are you all right, Prudence?" Lenore asked, coming up behind her.
Prudence turned with a smile, which disappeared at the sight of her mother. She burst into tears. Lenore placed her arms around her daughter and directed her toward the front of the boat, where there were less people about.
"I was so stupid," she cried against her mother's shoulder.
Lenore patted her back as if she were a small child needing comfort. "You thought the decision wise at the time. We all make mistakes."
"I should have stayed. He kept expressing his love for me, and here I go off and leave him, and for what reason? . . . To make certain he loves me. It wasn't his love I was trying to prove. It was mine."
"Then go back."
"I can't. I would feel like a fool," she cried, having trapped herself in her own good intentions.
"Do not be foolish and allow your pride to stop you," Lenore warned. "I speak from experience."
Prudence looked up at her. "You thought of coming back to us?"
"Many times, but I feared the reception I would receive and could not face the doubts."
"But we would have welcomed you with open arms."
"I did not know this."
Prudence's shoulders sagged. "You think I should go back to Zac before it's too late."
Lenore cupped her daughter's face in her hands and shook her own head slowly. "I cannot tell you what you must do. Only you can decide. But I beg you to choose wisely and from your heart."
